TFC / Compounding / Dermatology

Dermatology compounding

Skin preparations your dermatologist actually wrote.

Custom-strength creams, gels, serums and shampoos compounded to your dermatologist's specification — single or combination actives, strengths that are not manufactured commercially, and bases chosen for sensitive skin.

Refill a prescription → Prescriber consult

Custom %

Tretinoin, HQ, niacinamide

Combo

Several actives, one tube

PCAB

Compounding accredited

A compounded dermatology cream in a labeled tube

Derm
Rx

Why compounded derm

Three reasons dermatologists send their patients here.

Strengths beyond commercial

Tretinoin 0.1%, hydroquinone 6–8%, niacinamide 10%. Commercial products top out — compounding starts where they stop.

Combination in one tube

One cream with three actives instead of three separate prescriptions to layer.

Bases for sensitive skin

Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and preservative-minimized bases are available where a prescriber specifies one for sensitive or post-procedure skin.

Dosage forms and bases

What we prepare, and in what.

Every preparation is made from an individual prescription. The actives, strengths, ratio and base are your dermatologist's decision — the list below is what we are set up to compound, not a recommendation.

Tretinoin / Hydroquinone / Hydrocortisone

Topical

Tretinoin 0.05% + Hydroquinone 4% + Hydrocortisone 1%

Prepared to order: strengths and ratio as written; non-comedogenic base.

Tretinoin / Clindamycin / Niacinamide

Topical

Tretinoin 0.025% + Clindamycin 1% + Niacinamide 4%

Prepared to order: three actives in one tube rather than separate products.

Tretinoin, custom strength

Topical

Tretinoin 0.005% – 0.1% in moisturizing base

Prepared to order: any strength in the range, for stepwise titration as prescribed.

Minoxidil / Finasteride

Topical

Minoxidil 5–7% + Finasteride 0.1% + (optional) latanoprost 0.005%

Prepared to order: topical form in the strengths the prescription specifies.

Kojic acid / Niacinamide / Azelaic acid

Topical

Kojic acid 4% + Niacinamide 4% + Azelaic acid 10%

Prepared to order: combination as written, in a base of the prescriber's choosing.

Metronidazole / Azelaic acid / Ivermectin

Topical

Metronidazole 0.75% + Azelaic acid 15% + Ivermectin 1%

Prepared to order: multi-active combinations exactly as written.

Spironolactone, topical

Topical

Spironolactone 5% in alcohol-water-glycerol vehicle

Prepared to order: topical vehicle when an oral form is not what was prescribed.

Tranexamic acid, topical

Topical

Tranexamic acid 5–10% · serum or cream

Prepared to order: serum or cream form, strength as written.

Ketoconazole / Clobetasol shampoo

Topical · Scalp

Ketoconazole 2% + Clobetasol 0.05% shampoo

Prepared to order: shampoo base for scalp application, strengths as written.

Glycopyrrolate, topical

Topical

Glycopyrrolate 2% topical · roll-on or pad delivery

Prepared to order: roll-on or pad presentation, strength as written.

Process

From dermatologist to your bathroom shelf, in four steps.

Dermatologist sends Rx

eRx, fax, or phone. Turnaround depends on formulation — we'll confirm when the Rx arrives.

Base selected

Cream, gel, lotion, or serum — chosen for skin type and concern.

Compounded

Light-sensitive actives (tretinoin) protected in amber containers.

Pickup or delivery

Pickup in store or ask about delivery. Discreet packaging available on request.

DERMATOLOGY COMPOUNDING

Dermatology creams, gels, and solutions prepared to prescriber specification in our PCAB-accredited non-sterile lab. This page describes compounding capabilities, not treatment recommendations. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved drug products. Call (323) 348-4205 to transfer a prescription or discuss vehicle and strength options.

Common questions

Dermatology compounds, frequently asked.

Why use a compounded cream instead of an OTC product?

OTC products are capped at low strengths (hydroquinone 2%, niacinamide 4%, retinol equivalents). Prescription compounds use higher concentrations and prescription-only actives like tretinoin, hydroquinone above 4%, and pharmaceutical-grade retinoids. They're prescribed when stronger therapy is medically warranted.

Are compounded dermatology products covered by insurance?

Inconsistently. Many derm compounds are out-of-pocket. We bill insurance first and quote a cash price if they decline.

How long does my compound last after I open it?

BUDs typically range from 60 to 180 days for non-sterile creams, depending on base and active. Tretinoin and hydroquinone are light- and air-sensitive; we package in amber airless pumps when possible to extend shelf life.

Can you compound dermatology preparations for women?

Yes — topical and oral dermatology preparations are compounded to your prescriber's specification. Ask your dermatologist to send the formula and we will confirm what we can prepare.

My dermatologist gave me a paper script. Can I drop it off?

Yes — walk in any time during open hours, or drop in the slot during off-hours. We can also accept a photo of the script via secure form, then verify with the prescriber.

I’m on a Kligman-style cream from another pharmacy. Can you continue it?

If you have a current Rx, yes. You can transfer it through our transfer page or have your prescriber fax (323-348-4213). For new patients, we’ll need a valid prescription on file before we can dispense.

Known by name

Formulas prescribers ask for by their working name.

Some compounds have been around long enough to have nicknames — short-hand prescribers use because writing out the whole formula takes a paragraph. Here's a working list of what we get asked for, with what's actually in each.

BLT

Topical

Benzocaine 20% / Lidocaine 6% / Tetracaine 4%. Triple-anesthetic cream.

Use: Pre-procedure topical anesthesia — laser, microneedling, tattoo, cosmetic injection.

Modified Kligman

Topical · Derm

Tretinoin 0.05% / Hydroquinone 4% / Hydrocortisone 1% (or fluocinolone 0.01%) in a non-comedogenic cream.

Use: Three actives in one preparation, in the strengths written.

"Triple Scar" Cream

Topical · Scars

Triamcinolone / 5-FU / silicone gel (or sometimes verapamil + silicone). Prescriber-specified ratios.

Use: Keloid and hypertrophic scar reduction. Post-surgical or post-traumatic.

Ready to fill a dermatology compound?

Transfer your prescription to TFC by phone or form, or have your dermatologist send the script directly.

Refill a prescription → For dermatologists Book a pharmacist consult